New drug trialled to protect people with an impaired immune system against Covid-19

The first UK participant in a portion of a study looking at a new investigational medication for Covid-19 has received their initial dose of the drug at UCLH.

The SUPERNOVA study is seeking to understand if the drug can protect people with an impaired immune system from becoming infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 and developing severe illness.

The drug being studied is a type of therapy known as a monoclonal antibody.

The trial at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) UCLH Clinical Research Facility involves healthy volunteers over 18 years of age, who will have about 10 visits at UCLH over 15 months.

An earlier trial of the drug showed that it was administered safely with few side effects, this current study is testing how effective the drug is at preventing people getting Covid-19 as well as monitoring the safety of the drug.

UCLH Consultant in Infectious Diseases Dr Tommy Rampling, who is leading the UCLH portion of the trial, said: “It is vital that we continue to look for new medications to protect people including the most vulnerable from Covid-19. The more options we have to prevent severe disease the better, and we are grateful to all those taking part in the trial.”

Dr Rampling and his team have since enrolled 29 participants to this arm of the study and are hoping to enter a further 15 participants before the study closes.

The SUPERNOVA Study at UCLH is looking for people with an impaired immune system to take part.

You, or someone you care for, may be able to take part if you/they:

• Have an impaired immune system
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Have not tested positive for COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 3 months
• Weigh at least 40 kg.

If you are interested in taking part in the trial, please e-mail: UCLH.Supernova@nhs.net.